Jamie Oliver says energy drinks are ‘harmful and children shouldn’t be drinking them’ after a win for his joint campaign with the Mirror to ban sales to under-16s
Jamie Oliver has hailed a ban on selling energy drinks to kids in England announced by the Government today.
The celebrity chef campaigned with the Mirror for a clampdown on sales of the high-caffeine drinks to youngsters amid reports of growing harms. Teachers have told the Mirror that kids as young as six are drinking energy drinks and warned of their effect on health and classroom behaviour. Research has also linked them to headaches, sleep problems, anorexia and heart issues.
Campaigning chef Jamie Oliver has called on the Government to make the ban – which is now subject to a public consultation – robust.
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Jamie Oliver said: “Eight years ago I teamed up with Mirror to launch a campaign to stop the sale of energy drinks to kids – like it says on the tin! Finally it looks like the government is going to do exactly that.
“Energy drinks are flashy and clever, designed to pull kids in, but behind it all they’re harmful and children shouldn’t be drinking them. It’s taken far too long, so let’s make sure it’s done right and is the absolute best it can be for the kids.”
Up to a third of children in the UK consume caffeinated energy drinks every week, with boys more likely to buy them. Products such as Prime Energy, Monster and Rockstar have become increasingly popular.
The plans under consultation would see energy drinks containing over 150mg of caffeine per litre banned across all retailers including online, in shops, restaurants, cafes and vending machines. It would not affect lower-caffeine soft drinks nor tea and coffee.
The ban for England meets a key Labour manifesto pledge and ministers say it could prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children.
Most supermarkets stopped selling energy drinks to under-16s seven years ago following the Mirror campaign exposing the dangers for children. But parents have raised concerns about how they can be easily bought from corner shops on the way to school.
How do caffeinated drinks compare?
- can of cola contains 40mg caffeine
- mug of tea contains around 75mg caffeine
- coffee can contain 80mg caffeine in an espresso or 100mg caffeine in a mug of instant coffee
- a single can of Red Bull (250ml) contains 80mg caffeine, the same as one espresso or two cans of cola –comparing with the proposed threshold a litre would contain 320mg of caffeine
- a single can Monster or Relentless Energy Drinks (500ml) contains 160mg caffeine, the same as two espressos or four cans of cola – comparing with the proposed threshold a litre would contain 320 mg of caffeine
- Prime Energy (330ml) contains 140mg caffeine, the same as almost two espressos and over three colas – comparing with the proposed a litre would contain 420mg of caffeine
Studies have shown these high-caffeine and high-sugar drinks can affect pupils’ performance and behaviour in class.
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The Mirror, working with Jamie Oliver, highlighted harmful effects on children, including disrupted sleep, increased anxiety, poor concentration and reduced educational outcomes.
Lauren Morley from Worthing, East Sussex, is an ambassador for food campaigning group Sustain and also works with young people and schools on nutrition and mental health. She said: “As a parent of a 6-year-old and an educator with 13 years’ experience, I’ve seen the harm these drinks cause. In schools, I’ve witnessed panic attacks, anxiety and poor focus, often after students consume multiple cans instead of breakfast.
“My concern grows as my child gets older. When young people stop drinking them, we see their wellbeing, concentration, and mood noticeably improve. I welcome the Department of Health and Social Care’s consultation on restricting high caffeine energy drink sales to children.”